Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a grained and anodised aluminium substrate coated with a metallic layer, preferably a silver layer, on top of which is applied a layer comprising at least one sensitising material which adsorbs on to the metallic surface and thereby sensitises the system to heat mode laser exposure. Preferably, the sensitising material comprises a material which includes at least one sulphur, selenium or tellurium containing group and the sensitising layer additionally comprises a hydrophilic material. The invention provides lithographic printing plate precursors having high sensitivity which may be imagewise exposed by means of a high intensity laser beam to provide press ready plates showing high image quality, good press properties and high durability on press without the requirement for the use of intermediate film and developer chemistry.